Punk Rock gave us a lot of things and
personalities and one of those was Ian Dury. Sure he was in failed
combo Kilburn & The Highroads but it was highly unlikely that
without Punk Rock he would never have had a second bite of the
cherry and made it the way he did and an amazing talent would have
lain unfulfilled. For this alone Punk needs a hefty pat on the back
Perceptions of Punk rock have of course narrowed since then to the
angry noiseniks in punk uniform banging out a heavy metal din. Back
in early 77 when there weren't many bands around anyone remotely
punk/attitude orientated was held closely to spiky haired punkers
bosoms.
One of those was Ian Dury. As English as the white cliffs of Dover
and an absolute 24 carat genius when combined with the Blockheads
band. Wordsmith, raconteur and a mix of vaudeville, music
hall, cockernee, pub rock, funk and punk. It gives me great pleasure
to think that some angry little punker will go and listen to Dury
expecting some noize after reading this and encounter the funky lilt
of 'Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll' or the majesty of 'Rhythm Stick'.
Ian passed away in 2000 but I can't play the sublime 'New Boots &
Panties' without thinking fuck this is as good as it gets!
There ain't half been some clever bastards Ian! I hope none of them
are pissing in your pool wherever you are! |
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